BT calls on ZTE for 3G DVB-H/DAB phone

Stuart Corner
Monday, 18 September 2006 07:56

Business IT - Technology

BT has named Chinese manufacturer ZTE as the developer of the first 3G phone for use on BTs' new Movio wholesale mobile entertainment service that combines DVB-H TV with digital audio broadcast services.

• Announcements

Movio was launched on 10 September  and BT named Virgin Mobile as the first reseller. Virgin will launch the service with the Virgin Mobile Lobster 700TV phon, manufactured by HTC of Taiwan. However this is a GSM 2G phone, not a 3G device.

BT Movio is the first wholesale service in the world to combine mobile TV, DAB digital radio, a seven-day programme guide and 'red button' interactivity for mobile phones. ZTE will "develop and supply multi-mode 3G/DAB-IP enabled handsets to further extend the portfolio of devices capable of supporting the BT Movio service."

Emma Lloyd, managing director, BT Movio said: "With China's status as the world's largest manufacturer of mobile devices, the partnership with ZTE provides evidence of the growing support for BT Movio's IP based approach to mobile TV in the world's most influential mobile market. Furthermore, with the introduction of the first 3G mobile device capable of supporting DAB-IP, we will be in a strong position to extend the BT Movio wholesale proposition to 3G mobile operators in the UK." BT did not indicate when the first devices would be available.